Well known personality Smriti Mandhana, who carved two sparkling innings in the continuing ICC Women’s World Cup, gets her motivation from Sri Lankan star Kumar Sangakkara.
This declaration has been made by the coach, Anant Tambvekar, of the new cricketing sensation for the country.
The 20 year old Smriti is in a rich vein of form at the on-going series. She bagged 90 runs after playing 72 balls in opposition to England and 106 runs from 108 balls in a match against West Indies. This has aided India to pocket success with 35 runs and 7 wickets.
As praise grew louder with fans in the stadium applauding the tall left-hand batsman’s effortless display at times, the admiration shifted to the social media as well. A fan on Twitter likened the opener with former India batsman Virender Sehwag who also rose to fame with his swashbuckling style at the top of the order.
In the tweet, the user wrote, “@mandhana_smriti is the Female version of @virendersehwag You can be proud of her sir” and in reply, Sehwag in his usual, brilliant way with words commended Mandhana and wished her and the team luck ahead of their third group game against Pakistan. ‘Sultan of Multan’ wrote, “She is the first version of Smriti and is really special. Every Indian who loves sports will be proud of her. Wish her and the team the best,” which drew plenty of praise on social media – including that by former Australia women’s cricketer Mel Jones. Jones labelled Sehwag’s words as “one of the quotes of Women’s World Cup 2017”.
@mandhana_smriti is the Female version of @virendersehwag
You can be proud of her sir pic.twitter.com/wW8awyt9Ie— SPYder (@UrstrulyBharat_) June 30, 2017
She is the first version of Smriti and is really special. Every Indian who loves sports will be proud of her. Wish her and the team the best https://t.co/RrjavFVLc0
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) June 30, 2017
One of the quotes of the #WWC17, beautifully said @virendersehwag! ???? https://t.co/A26Ag7cFpj
— Mel ‘MJ’ Jones (@meljones_33) July 1, 2017
She helped India to win in sturdy match to enter on the knockout phases of the rivalry. Her inspiring display has gathered plenty of interest from buffs, media personalities and cricketers alike who have praised the girl from Sangli.
As deserved, she was declared Man of the Match Award in both the series.
The opening batsman got praised by all and here are some tweets by her fans –
Sorry all Bollywood actresses sorry my school crush.sorry all girls becoz now #SmritiMandhana is my crush #INDvPAK pic.twitter.com/9H1XA50aU8
— Jai ho! (@arpithinduporwl) July 2, 2017
Creams don’t give u success
Feminism doesn’t empower u
Dedicatn makes u successful
Gals like these truly empower u
You go girls❤️#INDvPAK pic.twitter.com/sLp2yaQywr— Nisha (@niissh) July 2, 2017
#INDvPAK Relax heartbeat Relax the cutest smile on the earth ??????????? pic.twitter.com/4lZedMLKGg
— Phd in Chutiyapa (@50shadesofkhet) July 2, 2017
